AAT is a great place to start if you’re interested in accounting and finance. But what is it actually equivalent to compared to other qualifications? Here we explain the comparisons to give you a better idea.
Please note, that this is just an approximate idea of the levels and not an exact equivalence.
Firstly - what is AAT?
AAT stands for Association of Accounting Technicians and is a leading accounting body for accounting professionals. The AAT qualification is the start of an accountancy career for anyone without any previous experience.
It’s made up of three levels - Foundation, Advanced and Professional. Each level takes around a year to complete.
Foundation - Level 2
The Foundation Certificate in Accountingis equivalent to GCSE level of study. It covers the basic principles of accountancy, and is your starting point if you’ve never studied accountancy before.
You’ll learn the basic principles of accountancy, such as double-entry bookkeeping, costing and preparing financial statements, as well as how to use accountancy software. Most people complete this level within six to 12 months.
You don’t need any prior experience to study AAT Foundation - but you do need good maths, IT and English skills. AAT has a skillcheck testyou can do to see which level of AAT to start at.
Advanced - Level 3
The Advanced Diploma in Accountingis roughly equivalent to A Level study. It builds on the knowledge gained in the Foundation level. If you work in accounts or have studied accountancy before, you may be able to start at this level, instead of doing Foundation first.
You’ll learn about complex accounting techniques, and master a number of accounting disciplines. These will include financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants. Most people complete this level within six to 12 months.
You will need to have passed AAT Foundation or you may be exempt from Foundation if you have relevant work experience, or A Levels. Again, you can take the AAT skillcheck testto see which level to start at.
Professional - Level 4
The Professional Diploma in Accountingis equivalent to an HNC level qualification, or the first year of a university degree. It is the final AAT level, teaching you more complex accounting theory, and lets you choose two specialist subjects.
You’ll learn about budgeting, management accounting, preparing financial statements, accounting systems, and tax. Most people can complete this level in 12 to 18 months.
You can only do Professional if you have passed the Advanced level. If you have a university degree in accountancy, or related, it may be more appropriate to try ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.
Interested in AAT?
If you think that AAT might be the qualification for you, check out our AAT pages for more information, including our range of different study methods to choose from.
Relevant sources:
https://www.osbornetraining.org/aat-qualification-faq
https://www.lsbf.org.uk/blog/online-learning/what-is-aat-and-what-their-levels-are-equivalent-to
FAQs
AAT level 2 is equivalent to GCSEs. AAT level 3 is equivalent to 2 A Levels. AAT level 4 is equivalent to a Professional Diploma Level.
What is the equivalent of AAT in the US? ›
Using your AAT qualification in other countries
In the US you can quickly become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with no further training, bar taking the CPA exam and gaining field experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
Is AAT Level 3 enough? ›
The AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting is the second highest level of accreditation offered by AAT. Completion of the course allows students to demonstrate their senior accounting knowledge and expertise.
What is AAT compared to degree? ›
It's also equivalent to an A-level, which means you can use it to apply to university if you so wish. This means that the AAT Level 4 qualification is equivalent to a higher diploma, also known as the first year of study for a bachelor's degree or an HNC qualification.
What does AAT level 4 qualify you for? ›
Study this qualification to master complex accounting tasks and qualify for senior finance roles, as well as AAT full membership.
Is AAT level 4 hard? ›
As you might expect, the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting is the most challenging of the AAT qualifications. However, it is also the most prestigious and most valued by employers and potential clients.
How much is AAT level 3? ›
AAT Level 3 cost: It will usually cost between £900 to £2,000 to study this qualification. At ICS Learn, the qualification costs £699. AAT registration fees cost £228 for UK students (reduced to £96 for AAT bookkeeping members) and the fee for international students varies, depending on where you live in the world.
Are AAT qualifications worth it? ›
It really depends on what area of accounting you want to specialise in, and which level of the AAT qualification you achieve. It can also depend on the sector you work in, and the amount of experience you have. But AAT can really be worthwhile if you're looking for a well-paid career.
What is AAT level 5? ›
The level 5 AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting is only available to those based in Scotland. This 12 month apprenticeship gives learners the opportunity to build their confidence and skill as they cover topics such as bookkeeping controls and accounting software.
How many people fail AAT Level 3? ›
Training Link pass rates smash the AAT's national average
| Course Level | Worldwide Average | Training Link |
|---|
| AAT Level 2 | 81.3% | 93.2% |
| AAT Level 3 | 73.8% | 92.3% |
| AAT Level 4 | 65.2% | 91% |
Many students start at Level 2 to qualify for entry-level accounting roles, but you can start at Level 3 if you have relevant skills and experience. These qualifications also give you the opportunity to progress to chartered study or become an AAT Licensed Accountant.
Can I be a bookkeeper with AAT Level 3? ›
If you successfully complete this qualification you can apply to become an AAT bookkeeping member (AATQB), and if you're thinking of starting your own practice you'll be able to apply to become an AAT Licensed Bookkeeper.
What is AAT equivalent to? ›
AAT Qualification is equivalent to accounting technician level qualification. AAT Level 2 is Equivalent to GCSE, AAT Level 3 is equivalent to two A-Levels and AAT Level 4 is equivalent to QCF Level 4 qualification. With an AAT qualification, you get exemptions from degree courses at over 30 Universities in the UK.
Can you get a job with AAT? ›
Becoming AAT qualified is one of the best ways to fast-track your career. Level by level you'll learn in-demand skills that will help to prepare you for a rewarding career in a wide range of accounting, bookkeeping and finance roles. With an AAT qualification, the world is your oyster.
What is the highest level in AAT? ›
There are different AAT Levels, Foundation Certificate Level 2, Advanced Diploma Level 3 and Professional Diploma Level 4. Following points will help you to answer the majority of the questions you have in your mind for AAT Levels.
Is AAT level 4 equivalent to ACCA? ›
The ACCA Applied Knowledge Level is considered the introductory Level for ACCA and is equivalent to AAT's Level 4 Diploma. The ACCA Applied Skills Level builds on the introductory level and covers the essential topics required of a professional accountant (i.e. tax, law, audit and accounting).
Is AAT a degree or diploma? ›
AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
Jobs in accounting are extremely diverse and deliver exciting career opportunities, and studying an AAT accounting qualification will ensure you have the skills and experience that employers need.
Is AAT equivalent to ACA? ›
The ACA qualification consists of 15 modules/exams. With the Level 4 AAT qualification you could gain credit for up to five of those modules at the first stage of the ACA, also known as the Certificate Level.
Is AAT a fully qualified accountant? ›
AAT full membership (MAAT) is an internationally recognised professional status in accounting and finance. It demonstrates a high standard of education and experience to employers and clients, along with a commitment to development and keeping your skills up to date.
